A/N: Here we have a tale re-written over and over! THIS IS THE LAST EDIT I PROMISE, but also the biggest one. This story is indeed active, contrary to what it may seem, it's just a very big story that I started years ago. Still close to my heart! I've edited the existing chapters very heavily, so be sure to re-read if that applies.

NOTE: Narrative perspective will change throughout the story, and this is visible in chapters, marked with a divide in the page.

Our story is set roughly 7 months after the events of Advent Children.

While Midgar and Edge are restored, the minds and morale of everyone else gradually follow suit.

Eight friends still hold each other dear.

But when sentiments change into those you thought you never had, or even disappear - it's difficult not to feel like someone's altered your entire genetic makeup.

:

Chapter One – Haphazard Contemplation

Tifa awoke to silence. Her eyes opened slowly, not delighting in the sight of her new bedroom – heated inadequately, and bare - not as much her own yet as she would have preferred. Out of the window, there was only a very dim light to hint at early morning. Sure enough, a glance at the bedside clock confirmed it was barely 5 a.m.

Few hours of sleep and even fewer things to do lately had rendered her slightly bemused, and she felt as though she floundered about, watching days speed past her. She'd taken a break from the bar and left it in the charge of Cloud and one of her friends; her excuse was that she needed time to settle into her new apartment, but in hindsight, she wasn't entirely sure if it was a good idea. It deprived her of things to keep her busy.

Sighing softly, Tifa hauled herself out of bed and pulled on her bathrobe. She stood next to the window a while and watched the weak light of the dawn turn into a slowly-rising sun, its yellow rays peering around distant skyscrapers and filtering through polluted air into the city. Sunrises were dirty-looking here, and she wondered when she'd be able to get out into the open and see one burst over grassy hills, bright and clean.

Little things like this seemed to mean more to her as time went by and there was less to do.

There had been an air of optimism in Edge City since the Geostigma passed - and she thought on how her circle of friends had expanded to include those that, only a few years ago, she'd have given a sharp right hook over a sweet smile any day. It hadn't been expected, but after Reno and his quiet accomplice Rude decided on a whim to aid Cloud those months ago, contact between them all had simply… continued. She'd been surprised when they showed up one day, having heard she was leaving her tiny flat above the bar, and offered to help her move her stuff out. They were almost a team now. Almost.

But while the Turks came further into her life, others had sidled out. She knew that some had their own matters to pursue, such as dear Cid: "I'm gone for a few months. Piloting stuff. Don't shit yerself if you don't hear from me for a while. Seeya!"

Spritely Yuffie Kisaragi had been relentlessly phoning them up until about a month ago. From then on, those calls had been replaced with the occasional text message. But Tifa also understood Yuffie had become involved with the launch of the World Regenesis Organisation, so she let her be.

Oh yes… WRO. Founded by Reeve. Another person she hadn't heard from in a long time. And Nanaki? Probably safe and happy back home in Cosmo Canyon, such as Tifa hoped. But these wonderful people could always be called upon, should they ever be needed – or missed.

Then there was the least approachable of their friends.

He had left three days after the advent of Sephiroth. Before Vincent departed, he had spoken to Tifa and Cloud more so than was usual for him. And just when Tifa thought he was beginning to open up to them, he was gone.

His leave-taking was swift, his purpose unclear. Tifa hadn't known really whether to expect and accept it, or to be disappointed he hadn't stayed longer - she had enjoyed being reunited with all of AVALANCHE. But there was one difference between the reaction of Tifa and that of her friends: that they didn't seem to think much on Vincent Valentine's shaded disappearance.

Suddenly aware that she had stayed at the window for about an hour, Tifa sought to get herself washed and dressed. She would go for a walk around the city centre today - perhaps even meet up with somebody. She was a sociable creature, or at least she thought so – she wondered if she needed conversation today simply because it took her mind off other things.

After she'd showered and put on something light and comfy, Tifa headed downstairs. She was about to open her front door before her mobile phone began to ring in the pocket of her denim shorts. She answered it to an unmistakable gruff voice.

"Hey Tif, Barret here."

"Hi!" Tifa smiled. "This is a rare situation. You're awake before 11 a.m."

"Funny." replied Barret. "This time it was Marlene's stereo. Ten past freakin' six, how is that a nice time to wake up?"

Tifa couldn't suppress her giggle. "Early morning'll do you good once in a while. How are you guys, anyway? The kids doing okay?"

"Yeah, we're cool over here. I just called to ask when you're good to take 'em back to your place."

Tifa frowned slightly. "Anytime, really… Why, is there something up?"

Barret laughed. "When is anything up these days, huh? Just wanted to know if you're good to look after them this weekend - latest. Got some more surveyin' work to do over at the oil wells. That okay wi' you?"

"Always is." said Tifa, opening the door. "I'll see you guys over here on Saturday, then."

"Sure. Later, Tif."

Tifa hung up and set out of the door. She looked forward to seeing the two children, her makeshift family. Her little bit of reality, keeping her feet on the ground and keeping everyone together.

The air was close and warm outside already, even at barely 7am. Crowds were scarce at this time. Tifa peered upwards at the scaffolding and listened to the sounds of building work resuming around her for the day. Restoration, following the damage done by Bahamut – but work that had advanced further in seven months than in the three years following Meteorfall.

Her mind, however, wasn't on any of the sights.

Tifa neared the square, passed by the monument and went across to the sidewalk. There were only a few cars passing by; Edge wasn't a 'morning' sort of place. One of the vehicles – a sleek black convertible – was slowing down beside her. Thinking it was probably some person about to ask her for directions, she stopped and waited for the window to roll down. When it did, she came across a recognizable face.

"Bright and early."

She stepped up next to the car as a bald man with his usual black shades leant across to look out of the window. Tifa smiled placidly. "Morning, Rude. Out on business?"

"Not 'til later," he shrugged. He was a man of little words.

Tifa returned a tiny smile. She then peered inside the window of the car. "Where's…"

"Reno?" interjected Rude. "I was about to ask you the same question."

"How much of an answer d'you expect?" said Tifa with a wry smirk. "It's Reno. He could be anywhere, right?"

Rude smiled vaguely and shook his head. "Idiot's pager hasn't been reachable; he's probably still asleep. Never mind. Anyway… You headed anywhere in particular? I've time to give you a lift, if you wish."

"Nowhere to be today, Rude." replied Tifa, not immediately aware that she had sighed that sentence rather heavily. "Just taking a walk. But thank you all the same."

"No problem. I'll see you around, then. Oh, and if you see Reno - "

"I'll tell him to page you." smiled Tifa. "Have fun."

Rude raised his brow, but lifted a hand to her before winding the window back up and driving back off again. Tifa watched the car speed around the corner and out of sight, inwardly wondering exactly where Reno had got to. He was unpredictable – the only consistency being that he was always with Rude. Tifa smiled wryly as she speculated on how the relationship between the three of them had gone from heated battles to pleasant morning chit-chat.

Tifa walked on and on, further from habitation and into the graveyard of Midgar's remains, where eventually she was met with the comforting sight of a flower-adorned church ruin. This place, that held so many memories – good and ill – was something she cherished. The blooming flowers on the walls caught the sunlight, glowing like a mountain of wealth and treasures… They always gave Tifa some peace, and above all, provided her with some connection to nature in an urban wilderness like Midgar.

As Tifa entered the church, she watched the dusty rays of sunlight filtering through what was left of the stained-glass windows. She walked a while among the flowers, nearing the old pews that had been left untouched and host to sparse cobwebs. There was a peaceful quiet...

"Great minds think alike?"

Tifa started momentarily, and then smiled at the familiar presence that greeted her from several rows away.

She met Cloud's friendly face with gratitude, moving to settle herself on the pew he'd taken. He looked at her with a smile - warmer than was characteristic for him.

Tifa began swinging her legs in and out in front of her. "Welcome back. I'm guessing it was a good road trip, since you've been away a good few days."

"I needed it." He smirked. "Fenrir is a little worse for wear. But it was beautiful out there… Not something you realise in times of hardship, right?"

Tifa grinned. "I guess multiple apocalypses ruin the spectacle somewhat. Anyway… It's good to have you back."

Briefly, she felt the muscles in Cloud's arm tense up as she leant up against him. She didn't think much of it, as it wasn't long before her kindly gesture was returned.

"How's things at the bar?" He said quietly.

"Moved all my stuff out," she replied, "with the help of Reno and Rude. I'll come help you decorate upstairs soon if you like. If it's gonna be your own space, you might as well make it interesting!"

He half-laughed. "Can't argue with that."

Tifa paused, absently flicking at a button on his shirt. "…And the nightmares?"

Cloud took in a breath and looked upwards. "Gone."

They smiled at one another. Together – at least these days - they weren't overly conversational. Their understanding of one another was the tie that bound them.

He was like family. That hadn't been good enough for Tifa for a very long time, but this too was something she had begun to question. She couldn't ignore years of longing, of friendship - but after more recent events, their bond had changed. Misting over their tension and young lust – though remnants of that lingered - was something she likened almost to the connection between two siblings… at least to her. She wasn't certain of Cloud's view of their relationship. She only knew that for now, she was content with the uncertainty.

They spent most of the morning in the chapel. Between enjoying the sunlight and the flowers and each others' company, they spoke occasionally of things Cloud had seen on his travels. Need for sustenance eventually took them back to the city centre, however, and they continued their sparse conversation over breakfast.

There was a contented pause before Cloud began to stare at the sky and narrow his eyes in thought a while.

Tifa looked at him. "What're you thinking about?"

Cloud shrugged and put his hands casually behind his back. "Dunno. Things just tend to pop into my head."

Tifa smiled in curiosity. "So what is it this time?"

"I guess I just wonder where everyone's got to." Cloud mused. "Haven't heard from a lot of our friends lately."

Tifa looked ahead, suddenly feeling just a little less cheerful. Today it seemed Cloud was indeed like-minded, except the manner in which he spoke made his contemplation seem slightly trivial… Like he was just mentioning it as a means of polite conversation. Tifa felt much different from that.

"How long did Cid say he was away for?" asked Cloud.

Tifa shrugged. "He only said he'd be back as soon as he'd sorted this piloting stuff out."

Cloud raised his brow and smirked. "I'm happy with that. Good thing it's so easy to get hold of them… You'd need a miracle to get hold of Vincent, though. He's a whole different story."

Tifa all of a sudden felt herself grow tense at the mention of him. There was an abrupt feeling of heaviness in the pit of her stomach that would have made her frown, had she not quickly replaced it with a look of polite interest. "Why would you say that?"

"Well, he never really did make a big thing about leaving." replied Cloud. "Hasn't bothered speaking since, unlike the others."

Tifa looked at the floor, having a sudden yet grim thought. "But… didn't he get a phone shortly after he arrived here?"

"Yeah… he did." Cloud frowned suspiciously. "Never gave me his number, never contacted my phone. It's a little creepy if you ask me, but then again, this is Vincent. He's like some big, quiet old shadow… I suppose it's only to be expected."

Tifa said nothing. She suddenly found a strong urge to scowl at Cloud; to say something in denial of how he had spoken about Vincent… But thought against contesting her friend so soon after he'd arrived home. Instead, she pursed her lips and nodded briefly.

Apparently satisfied that any discussion on their friends was exhausted for now, Cloud continued to stare ahead, leaving them both to walk on in silence a while.

Tifa wasn't sure what to make of this unexpected, sharp reminder of Vincent, and she didn't know how or why it had just suddenly jumped into Cloud's head; now of all times. But why now, after several months of never even bothering to bring Vincent into a conversation?

Why now, she thought, when I'm starting to wish he'd kept speaking to us like the rest?

:

Cloud walked Tifa back to her apartment in the evening, his arm around her shoulders.

When they eventually stopped outside Tifa's apartment, the sun was setting. Tifa paused at the door before entering, and pulled Cloud into a gracious hug. She was received with warmth and contentment, and it seemed as they stood outside the doorway that Cloud wasn't in any hurry to break their close embrace.

"I'll check over stock at the bar," he mumbled into her shoulder. "Then I'll head to bed. Can't remember the last time I was so tired. Delivery backlog can wait 'til morning."

Tifa looked up at him with a smirk. "Thank you. Don't spend too long on it. Sleep is precious, so treat it as such!"

Cloud smiled warmly. "I intend to. And so should you – you look like you haven't slept in days."

"I'm fine. Just restless lately. Should go back to normal soon enough."

For a moment, uncertainty crept into Cloud's blue eyes. But he nodded. "Go hit the hay."

Tifa winked at him in acknowledgement, and then turned to open her door. Casting him a small wave, she stepped inside and closed the door behind her.